Visitors to the site on the day Margaash was euthanised were forced to leave and those who had adopted the animal were informed of his death shortly after the incident.

Director of the zoo Derek Grove said: "This was an incredibly sad incident and our staff are understandably heartbroken.

"Euthanasia is, and always will be, a last resort. Efforts to persuade Margaash to return to his enclosure failed and as the animal was close to surrounding woodland and dark was approaching, the vet did not believe a tranquilliser dart was a safe option due to the amount of time the drug takes to work.

"Safety of the public is always of paramount importance and our staff are highly experienced and rigorously trained."